Russia-Ukraine Exchange 175 War Plans After Trump-Putin Phones

JAKARTA - Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 175 prisoners of war. The exchange of prisoners follows a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin who discussed the exchange on Tuesday, March 18.

Russia handed over 22 seriously injured Ukrainian prisoners, both sides confirmed.

As reported by Reuters on Wednesday, March 19, Russia's Ministry of Defense said the 22 people needed urgent medical treatment.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement on X that the exchange was one of the largest and said the 22 Ukrainians were soldiers who were seriously injured by Russia's abuse on charges of fabricated crimes.

"They will all receive the necessary medical and psychological assistance soon," Zelenskyy said.

Russia's Ministry of Defense said the United Arab Emirates had used "humanitarian" mediation efforts to facilitate the deal.

The Russian army released in the deal was in Belarus to receive medical and psychological treatment before being brought to Russia for further treatment.